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Fertilizer runoff is identified as a nonpoint source pollution, meaning it doesn’t come from just one location but rather multiple dispersed areas — complicating its regulation.

In Alberta, which features some of the highest household fertilizer usage rates, the consequences are particularly severe, as most lakes in the region are already eutrophic —  rich in nutrients. The additional nutrients from fertilizer runoff further increase this condition, elevating nutrient levels and contributing to the growth of blue-green algae, which poses risks of skin irritations upon contact and illnesses if ingested. Over-fertilizing also leads to runoff that degrades water quality and undermines long-term soil fertility.

Residents in Parkland County can utilize funding available through programs like the Land Stewardship Centre’s Green Acreages Program to support sustainable land use practices that benefit local waterbodies.

Practices that an Help Reduce Impacts of Fertilizer Use:

  • Maintain a Healthy Buffer Zone: Maintaining a strip of healthy native vegetation along shoreline areas can help filter runoff, while also improving shoreline stability. The wider the buffer width, the greater the filtering capacity for stormwater runoff. 
  • Alternative Landscaping: Native plants are an alternative to lawns that require less water, fertilizer and maintenance. This is because they are already adapted to local conditions. Decreasing hard surfaces can also reduce runoff from your property.
  • Soil Testing: Testing soils prior to fertilizer application can help analyze nutrient content in relation to plant nutrient needs. This can provide essential information to prevent over-fertilizing.
  • Timing: Avoid applying fertilizers on windy or rainy days and only apply when plants are actively growing.  Applying before heavy rains is a waste of product, money and time for landowners. Much of the unabsorbed fertilizer will end up in local waters.
  • Placement: Apply fertilizer as close to the plant as possible and avoid applying near waterways and on hard surfaces.  
  • Alternatives to Synthetic Fertilizers: Synthetic fertilizers do little to improve long-term soil fertility and are higher in nutrients than most plants can uptake. Although overuse can still lead to runoff, organic fertilizers act as slow-release fertilizers with lower nutrient values. Many organic fertilizers can also contribute to improvements in overall soil health and water retention, if used appropriately.